HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes 2007-08-08
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF SOUTH SAN FRANCISCO
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDA Y, August 8, 2007
MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUILDING
COMMUNITY ROOM
33 ARROYO DRIVE
CALL TO ORDER:
7:39 p.m. (Cassette Tape No.1)
ROLL CALL:
Present: Councilmembers Addiego, Matsumoto, Fernekes;
Vice Mayor Gonzalez and Mayor Garbarino
Absent:
None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Led by Mayor Garbarino
INVOCATION:
None
PRESENTATIONS:
. Enrichment Summer Camp 2007; Junior Firefighter and Junior Police Academy - Elaine
Porter, Recreation; Captain Brian Metcho, Fire Department; Joni Lee, Police
Department
. City-wide Garage Sale Power Point presentation by Rob Bartoli
AGENDA REVIEW: No changes
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mr. Greg Cochran, former Director of South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, announced
the North San Mateo County Leadership Program called the "North San Mateo County
Leadership Forum" and its ten year anniversary. This forum is designed for emerging leaders in
the community and he invited all to attend. Several important speakers will address the classes
this year. This is a fully-accredited college course. For information, the City Clerk's Office
will have brochures, or call the Daly City Chamber of Commerce. There are scholarships
available for the $500 tuition where needed.
Ms. Rosa Perez, invited Council and department heads to the 20th anniversary of the Ballet
Folklorico Infanti! of South San Francisco, August 26,2007 Dinner/Dance. RSVP to:
[email protected], or [email protected].
ITEMS FROM COUNCIL:
Councilmember Fernekes attended the sub-committee for "Day in the Park", "Centennial Sub-
Committee" and the League Dinner for elected officials. He acknowledged the Basque Cultural
Center for expended funds for solar panels for the Center.
Councilmember Addiego asked that the Council meeting be adjourned in memory of Rae Ann
Key, a former teacher at El Camino High School, and in memory ofMel Lane of Sunset
Publishing, who contributed greatly to environmental issues around the County and State. He
also stated he met on the Downtown Merchant sub-committee and discussed the upgrading of
signage by individual businesses. He attended the Council of Cities meeting in Pacifica;
discussion concerned solar energy.
Councilwoman Matsumoto went to a Silicon Valley Leadership Group meeting, where the topic
was "Winds of Change". She invited the community to attend a meeting at the Police
Department on August 9, 11 :00 a.m. to observe staged auto break-ins to assist citizens in
determining ways to avoid being victims.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez commented that on July 2ih a Peruvian flag was raised at City Hall, in
celebration of the 186th anniversary of Peru's independence. He attended a domestic violence
committee meeting. He went to the Water Transit Advocates for the County in Redwood City.
He had a retreat with the North Peninsula Neighborhood Center. He reminded citizens to not
flush old medications; there is a disposal center at the Police Department.
Mayor Garbarino attended the Mayor and Councilmembers Workshop in Monterey and
received good information. He attended the Traffic Alliance Sub-committee meeting, looking
at salaries for the employees there.
Mayor Garbarino presented a Certificate of Recognition to Rob Bartoli on the completion of his
summer internship with the City. Mr. Bartoli thanked the Council and commented on a
wonderful experience working for South San Francisco, thanking all the department directors
and staff for their support and assistance.
Mayor Garbarino asked Chief Raffaelli to comment on Home Protection. Chief Raffaelli noted
an increase in residential burglaries throughout the County over the last several years. The
Police Department does security assessments of homes and businesses. This year a study
showed that 35% of entries to burglaries are through open doors and windows. The Police
Department reminds people to leave the light on if they go out at night; on vacation, on
vacation, leave lights on a timer and advise neighbors; don't allow papers to accumulate
outside; install motion lighting. Vehicle burglaries are also increasing. Portable GPS units in
cars are popular now. If you are traveling, take it into the room with you. If you're out for the
evening in your car, when you park, place unit in the trunk. Visible items are easy to take. In
residential area vehicle burglaries, probably 99% ofthe vehicles are parked on the street. He
reminded residents to park in garages and driveways for a little more safety. Motion lighting is
a good deterrent. Chief Raffaelli said the demonstration at the Police Department on August
9th will show how to prevent certain types of entry into cars. Councilmembers commented.
Mayor Garbarino called a short recess; meeting reconvened.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approval of Minutes of July 11, July 25 and Special meeting of July 17, 2007
2. Motion to confirm expense claims of August 8, 2007
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3. Adoption of a resolution authorizing the acceptance of grant funding in the amount of
$33,000 to support Project Read and amending the Library Department's 2007/08
Operating Budget
4. Adoption of a resolution approving the Affordable Housing Agreement between the City
of South San Francisco and Watt Communities for the City Lights Development
5. Motion to approve $15,000 funding for the South San Francisco Chamber of Commerce
to produce a South San Francisco Restaurant and Outlet Guide
6. Adoption of an ordinance amending the South San Francisco Municipal Code Title 3,
Chapter 8.54.205 related to cost recovery of public nuisance abatement (second reading)
7. Adoption of an ordinance amending the South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter
4.22 to add administrative provisions for the collection of the commercial parking tax
(second reading)
8. Adoption of an ordinance amending the South San Francisco Municipal Code Chapter
11.68.020 and 11.68.025 to update streets subject to radar enforcement of speeding
violations and adopting updates to the Radar Survey Report of May 2005 (second
reading)
Item 4 pulled by Vice Mayor Gonzalez; Item 5 pulled by Councilwoman Matsumoto.
Motion-Addiego/Second-Fernekes: To approve Consent Calendar items 1,2,3,6, 7 & 8;
unanimously approved by voice vote, 5-0.
DISCUSSION OF:
Item 4: Adoption of a resolution approving the Affordable Housing Agreement between the
City of South San Francisco and Watt Communities for the City Lights Development
Vice Mayor Gonzalez commented that approval of this resolution will prevent the loss of some
affordable housing units. It was 25% and we continue with 25%. Staff Consultant Armando
Sanchez explained that after six months, all of the BMR units are at risk of turning market rate
if they are not sold. The low income units and the medium income units have been selling well,
but the moderate income units have not been selling well because the prices are high. To
minimize the loss of affordable units would be better language. This action provides an effort
to minimize the loss by releasing only some to the market. It is estimated that for everyone
released, another price will go to low price. The ones that stay in the project will be even lower
priced. Mr. Sanchez said at a minimum the project will have 20%, which conforms to the City's
Inc1usionary Ordinance.
Councilwoman Matsumoto had visited the site a few times. Since her visit six months ago,
prices have increased about 20%. Mr. Sanchez stated that with each building released, the
prices have gone up. He stated that would help because the BMR units are fixed at a price, by
our agreement with City Lights. If the market rate units go up, that means Watt will get a
higher price for the ones the City releases, and it will help us make the remaining prices even
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August 8, 2007
PAGE 3
lower. Councilwoman Matsumoto also asked staff to look into and report back on shuttle
service to public transportation. No shuttle is running, but taxi vouchers are being given.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez asked the risks the City is taking. Mr. Sanchez talked about projects in
the pipeline that come under the ordinance adopted a few years ago and the City's risk is far
lower.
Councilmember Addiego asked the difference between moderate income units and medium.
Mr. Sanchez gave the example of one bedroom medium is $280,000; a moderate one bedroom
is $346,000. A two bedroom is $364,000 v. $446,000. For a three bedroom, medium is
$414,000 and the moderate is $506,000, just slightly below market rate units.
Motion-Gonzalez/Second-Fernekes: To approve the agreement between the City and
Watt Communities for the City Lights Development; unanimously approved by voice vote, 5-0.
Item 5, Motion to approve $15,000 funding for the SSF Chamber of Commerce
Councilwoman Matsumoto asked if the brochure will not only be for Chamber members but for
all businesses in South San Francisco. She asked how it is a benefit to be a Chamber member if
non-members can advertise. The Chamber Director stated the target distribution will be the
companies on the east of 101, the Conference Center, the hotels, Chamber, the community at
large, City facilities. Printing is expected at 10,000. She said that ads for Chamber members
will be at no cost. Non-members will be invited to join the Chamber; if decline, they will pay a
fee for inclusion in the brochure. This is to off-set the cost. Councilmember Matsumoto was
not comfortable with that because she felt it did not represent all businesses. Councilmember
Addiego agreed with Councilmember Matsumoto.
Councilmember Fernekes felt the Chamber sub-committee could meet and return to Council
with options discussed tonight.
Motion-Fernekes/Second-Addiego: To continue this item to a date uncertain; motion
unanimously approved by voice vote, 5-0.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. Appeal of Use Permit Condition of Approval A.6 requiring approximately 2,800 sq. ft.
reduction in the top floor of the 5-story building in accordance with SSFMC Chapter
20.90 (Genentech)
Associate Planner Beaudin presented the staff report. Staff recommended denial of the appeal.
Mrs. Geraldine O'Conner, Genentech Local Government Affairs, stated Genentech's process in
modifying various aspects of the design to improve visual impact, reductions in height, glass
color changes, and other changes which do not result in loss of function. A reduction in the top
floor would affect both form and function. The impact to Genentech would be significant both
in time and cost.
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Ms. Carla Burango, Senior Director of Corporate Engineer, reiterated the previous speaker's
statement that reduction in the size of Building 50 would result in a six-month delay at a cost of
$3.5 million. The extensive redesign includes the structural steel and foundation systems, as
well as an increase in quantities of structural steel resulting from the redesign. She explained in
detail. She stated it was important to note the building has been designed with state-of-the art
structural and seismic system which requires extensive computer modeling and third party peer
review in order to ensure code compliance. This requested change would require extensive
redesign which will result in 30% of the columns, 20% of the frames and 30% of the foundation
system to increase in size to exceed the same structural performance.
Mayor Garbarino opened the public hearing.
SPEAKERS:
Mr. Bill Knack, representing the Building & Construction Trades Council ("BTC") of San
Mateo County, spoke on behalf of 24 local unions with membership exceeding 16,000 of the
highest skilled craftsmen and women in the construction industry today. The BTC supports the
project as proposed by Genentech. Genentech is committed to using highly skilled workers
who receive quality health care and pension benefits. (Several members of the audience who
are union workers stood in support ofMr. Knack's statements.) He respectfully requested that
Council grant approval of the appeal by Genentech.
Mr. Gary Saunders, Business Manager for Plumbers and Steamfitters Union, spoke in favor of
Genentech's appeal. He spoke in detail about his reasons for support. He felt that South San
Francisco needs to work with Genentech to get this project done on time, without the six-month
delay.
Mr. Craig Blatzingame, a neighbor, spoke in support of Genentech's appeal. He believes
Genentech is a very large pharmaceutical company concentrated in one small area, a unique
situation, which provides jobs and a tax base for South San Francisco.
Mr. Dave Figueroa, a resident, and member of the International Union of Painters and Allied
Trades (painters, tapers, glazers and floor coverers) spoke in favor of the Genentech project.
Mr. Mike Swanson, a resident, spoke in favor of the project.
Mayor Garbarino closed the Public Hearing.
DISCUSSION:
Vice Mayor Gonzalez mentioned speakers had referred to the campus. It has been developed
hand-in-hand with the City and Genentech. Sometimes there are issues with Planning, but that
is part of the process. He reserved his comments until further discussion has taken place.
Councilmember Addiego referred to newspaper articles about South San Francisco, recalling a
time when the Mayor had spoken about the Biotech Industry in South San Francisco as an
important issue. The Lieutenant Governor had stated support for an advisory committee that
would discuss the Biotech industry in the State.
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Councilwoman Matsumoto recalled that from the March 2007 meetings forward of the Planning
Commission, massing had been a concern. Referring to Genentech's letter accompanying the
appeal, she was concerned that if Genentech's most important objective is that the "...facility
supports our mission to discover, develop, manufacture and deliver bio-therapeutics that
improve the lives of our patients, Building 50 is an important component of that process and
must accommodate the required program needs to fulfill this mission." Councilmember
Matsumoto stated that if the programmatic needs of the manufacturing processing are the most
important components, she was having a hard time understanding how the reduction of 2,800
feet of supervisory office space will hinder the programmatic needs. She referred to staff and
commission processes which had brought them to this point. For the record, Councilmember
Matsumoto is not against this project; she supports it. She has, however, a concern as a
Councilmember, that she is responsible for approving projects that meet the intent of the various
City policies, plans and regulations, and in this case, Genentech's programmatic needs. She is
having a hard time not to support the staff s recommendation. She was not comfortable
ignoring the recommendations of the Design Board, Planning Commission and City policy.
Councilmember Fernekes stated he had also struggled with this issue, especially after just going
through the process for the Genentech Master Plan. He asked the Planner about his comment
that the current building is larger than the one submitted three months ago. Planner Beaudin
said the current building is actually 360-sq.ft. larger than the building presented by Genentech at
a Study Session in April. It is the same size as the building originally submitted in December,
then whittled down. This is the result of several months of work on the design.
Councilmember Fernekes asked if the Planning Commission had seen the original submittal;
Planner Beaudin stated it was the Design Review Board that saw the original submittal.
Councilmember Fernekes stated the City Planner had informed him this size is consistent with
the Master Plan. Discussion followed concerning massing issues. Councilmember Fernekes
expressed concerns with a six-month delay and the cost factor of$3.5-million for structural re-
engmeenng.
Councilwoman Matsumoto asked for clarification on the six-month construction delay. She
referred to the approval of the Master Plan in March. Ifmid-March is the point at which the
Master Plan was approved, she asked about the six month delay. Mrs. O'Comler stated the six
months is the time it will take to redesign the building to accommodate the reduction.
Vice Mayor Gonzalez commented that some projects that a long time to develop. He asked
when the Planning Commission saw this project for the first time. Mr. Beaudin replied it had
been April 19, 2007. Vice Mayor Gonzalez noted the process seemed to have been a complete,
approved project when it came to the Planning Commission. Mrs. O'Conner (Genentech)
stated no purchases of materials had been made and that the project first came forward last year.
The $3-million+ figure represents the redesign only, not materials. The design has not been
completed, nor have materials been purchased. Vice Mayor Gonzalez felt the Planning
Commission review had been a short period. He would prefer more time in future proposals.
Mayor Garbarino felt the Planning Commission had adequate time to review this project. They
reached a decision. He said in his experience as one who has maintained and managed
property, he has never seen a company ask to build more space than they need. Cost of
construction is high. He stated this proposal fits in and is consistent with what now exists.
Some buildings are bigger. The landscaping as proposed will mask some of the massing. He
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felt that for Genentech, in the business of developing medicines to save lives, a six-month delay
is too great.
Councilmember Fernekes disclosed to Council that he met with Ken Dandroff and Geraldine
O'Conner. He asked the City for a picture side-by-side with the original version for Council to
see.
Councilmember Addiego stated this area is a Work Zone. The buildings there are designed to
accommodate the needs of that business. He stated it might not be fair to always roll out the
'saving lives' card. He stated that the Planning Commission focus may have been a little
inappropriately directed toward esoteric and architectural components.
Councilmember Matsumoto referred to the modular; it had been an emergency situation. She is
deeply concerned about precedent. To address architecture, to others might not be important,
but she felt it was a footprint as to how infrastructure and architecture are important. This
building will be here for 50 or 60 years.
Councilmember Addiego felt this project is part of an existing business that fits into the concept
of industrial zone - economic vibrancy. He would be comfortable to grant the appeal.
Mayor Garbarino stated he had not heard from the appellant that this was an emergency
situation, but rather he heard concern with construction delays and redesign costs. He
commented on the architectural elements.
Motion-Fernekes/Second-Addiego: To grant the appeal;
Roll Call Vote: Councilwoman Addiego AYE
Councilmember Fernekes AYE
Councilmember Matsumoto NO
Vice Mayor Gonzalez AYE
Mayor Garbarino AYE
Motion carried, 4-1.
A brief recess followed; meeting reconvened.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
10. Consideration of ballot arguments in favor of the South San Francisco Parking
and Business Tax Measures on the November 6, 2007 election
Assistant City Attorney Sky Woodruff presented the staff report. Councilmembers Matsumoto
and Fernekes had been appointed to write the arguments in favor of each of the measures.
COMMENTS:
Councilmember Addiego commented on the Parking Tax measure, referring to the second line,
where it states: ".. ..Those facilities serve primarily out-of-town customers who drive on our
streets." He felt "who drive on our streets" is unnecessary language. Consensus was reached to
remove that phrasing.
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Motion-Fernekes/Second-Matsumoto: To approve the ballot arguments as amended;
unanimously approved by voice vote, 5-0.
OTHER ITEMS:
Councilmember Addiego asked if Council would consider an item to adjust the Councilmember
stipend from $500 to the maximum allowed, $750. He said that an election year is the
appropriate time to bring this forward.
Meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m. in memory of Rae Anne Key and Melvin Lane.
Mayor Garbarino wished a speedy recovery to Chris Ramos.
Submitted by:
Approved by:
~,1~~k
City of South San Francisco
(meeting attended by Bertha Aguilar)
it avt d ~ttl /U.7~r
Ri hard A. Garbarino, Mayor
City of South San Francisco
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PAGE 8
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